Before winter sets in this year, the tennis courts at McCarren Park will be covered with a new bubble, which should be installed by October. The new weather shield will cover the tennis courts and provide for year-round play in the park, but at a cost. There will be a fee to play in the bubble of $20 to $57, depending on the time of the day. “The bubble will be installed by the concessionaire,” said Meghan Lalor, a representative of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “The capital commitment from the concessionaire is $160,000, and they will also be responsible for the maintenance of the courts while the bubble is up.” In addition to the bubble, there will be a new pro shop and exterior lights that will enable night tennis, even when the bubble is not up during the warmer months. Aside from having to pay for the court time, there are other disadvantages as well. Due to construction, tennis will be disrupted for two to four months in the summer, and that's not good news for players in the neighborhood who already bought a full-season pass from the Parks Department to play on city courts. An adult permits costs $200. “It’s already spreading myself so thin, it’s not financially feasible,” said tennis player David Vailis last week. “I already pay 200 bucks.” Kennath Barbina, also a frequent McCarren Park tennis player, agreed with Vailis. “I’m against it because I don’t think everyone can afford to play,” he said. While some players were weary about the additional cost, others are just happy they won’t have to play in the cold, or stop playing at all, including Barbina's wife, Emily. “I’m for it because you get to play year round,” she said.

As a high school graduate, David Daraio was looking for a part-time job to keep him busy during the summer of 1994, so he took a job at Maspeth Federal Bank not knowing what to expect. “I needed a part-time job and the bank was hiring. I thought it was a great starting point,” Daraio said. Nineteen years later, Daraio is now the senior vice president and chief operating officer of the very bank where he was once worked as a teller. Outside the logistics and everyday tasks of running a bank, Daraio is proud of the relationship that exists between the bank and the customers in the neighborhood. “Anything we do, most of our customers are aware of it. We have a small-town feel even though we are near Manhattan,” Daraio said. “We want to make sure the neighborhood gets what it deserves.” Daraio prides himself on how his position allows him to be active in the community. The bank holds several events throughout the year, such as free concerts, car shows, and fun runs. There is also a free carnival for kids every fall. The bank has held the concerts for over 40 year, and the popular fun run is co-sponsored by the 104th Precinct. “Those things to me are the best,” Daraio said. Daraio also strives to have a friendly atmosphere at each of the bank’s six branches. Most feature a welcome and kids area with a bulletin board to inform the community of news and local happenings. Daraio is excited about the new opportunities the bank has to meet the demands of its customers. “A lot of people, especially the younger generation, like to do their banking at their own convenience,” Daraio said. As a result, the bank is rolling out new features that will allow customers to deposit checks via their smart-phone. Outside of his position at the bank, Daraio is also president of the Maspeth Chamber Commerce, which works to support businesses on Grand Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood. The chamber provides several benefits for local businesses, including a free website listing and a spot at the annual street festival. Daraio is excited about the opportunity to help promote local businesses and maintain the community he has been a part of for so long. “It’s something I look forward to,” he said.